Books published by publisher SPCK and Sheldon Press

Using the brilliant, deceptively simple device of telling the Christmas story backwards, Stephen Cottrell helps us encounter it as if for the first time. Narrating the story from the perspective of key characters gives us insights into its many horrors and uncertainties as well as its joys. The book may be used as a fresh and unique Advent study course or even as an adult Nativity play. Though the Christmas story is well known, most of us have learnt it from school nativity plays and carols. On the whole, this familiar version is more concerned with light than darkness. The backwards approach taken here allows the movement to be in the opposite direction, enabling us to get under the skin of a complex narrative. We begin by seeing through the eyes of Anna, the prophetess; followed by Rachel, who weeps for her children; King Herod; Casper, a wise men; David, a shepherd; Martha, the so-named innkeeper's wife; Joseph; Elizabeth; Mary; Isaiah and, finally, Moses. Each imaginative reflection is prefaced by a Bible reading and followed by a prayer.

"So you think you're fat. Are you sure? Do you think so, or has someone suggested you could lose a few? Has a doctor told you that you could be at risk for high blood pressure or diabetes if you don't take the weight off? Does your mother or father nag you every time you put something in your mouth? Do friends tease you? Do strangers give you that she-would-be-so-pretty-if-she-lost-twenty-pounds look? Or do you just feel fat because your best friend wears two sizes smaller than you? " This straightforward classic on adolescent diet examines the social and dietary pressures on today's teens, and arms them with information to combat weight and image issues. In the battle for the perfect body, too many teenagers resort to skipping meals, taking laxatives or vomiting after eating. These dangerous practices can be stopped if only they knew that there is a much safer and more effective way to get fit and trim down.

Reading difficulties are thought to affect one child in ten, in varying degrees of severity. Parents are often worried, but do not want to transmit their concern to their children. This handbook explains the different forms of dyslexia and how to distinguish between them, as a basis for effective action to tackle the problem. The handbook aims to equip parents with the information they need to discuss their child's difficulties with teachers and other professionals. It also offers support to help boost a child's self-confidence so that long-term problems are minimized. There are activities and suggestions to use at home, to make learning fun, and there is advice about how to get professional assessment and help.